Study Guide

Objective

• you are familiar with various operating environments and methods of nature- and environment-based activities
• you are familiar with nature-based counselling and client work, and the principles of respecting the environment that guide them
• you understand the meaning of nature in supporting well-being, and you are aware of your own relationship with nature
• you know how to plan, implement and assess nature- and environment-based activities in a client-based and goal-oriented way

Content

• the health and welfare effects of nature
• the operating environments of nature- and environment-based activities
• different nature- and environment-based activities, mindfulness skills in relation to nature
• activities in a natural environment, experiences and adventures in various environments
• taking care of nature as a therapeutic activity

Materials

All materials in itslearning

Teaching methods

individual study
small group work
lectures
learning assignments

International connections

Activity based learning

Student workload

Lectures and independent work 2 ECTS
Assignments 3 ECTS

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

Criteria for approved accomplishment of the course:
- participation in teaching
- completing and passing the study assignments
- achieving the following competence objectives in sufficient level:
• you are familiar with operating environments and methods of nature- and environment-based activities
• you are familiar with nature-based counselling and client work, and the principles of respecting the environment that guide them
• you understand the meaning of nature in supporting well-being
• you are aware of your own relationship with nature
• you know how to plan, implement and assess nature- and environment-based activities in a client-based and goal-oriented way

Criteria for failed grade:
- participation in teaching is missing or
- study assignments are failed or
- student does not achieve the above mentioned competence objectives in sufficient level

Content scheduling

Changes are possible until the beginning of the course.

Please note! Contact teaching is in English. Course is implemented partly outside the campus premises. This requires abilities to walk in nature and urban environments and wearing suitable equipment (e.g. outdoor clothes and shoes) according to weather conditions. Course requires using public transport or other vehicles in order to reach teaching places in Turku area.

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Mon 28.8.2023 15:00 - 18:00 Course start: independent work on pre-assignment
Mon 4.9.2023 15:00 - 18:00 Course info, discussion on pre-assignment and lecture on nature-based activities and nature well-being (Tiina Suni)
Mon 11.9.2023 15:00 - 18:00 Different environments and methods & adventure activities (Olli Toivonen)

Mon 18.9.2023 15:00 - 18:00 Nature well-being in practice (short hike in nature)
Mon 25.9.2023 15:00 - 18:00 City adventure
Mon 2.10.2023 15:00 - 18:00 Study assignment implementation: nature-based activities in small groups (location: Kupittaa park)
Mon 9.10.2023 15:00 - 18:00 Handcrafting & Nature materials
Mon 16.10.2023 15:00 - 18:00 Independent work: excursion to nature-based animal-assisted activities and report on the visit

Evaluation scale

Hyväksytty/Hylätty

Assessment methods and criteria

Evaluation of the course: approved / failed

100% participation in teaching (one absence can be compensated with assignments)

Assignments: All study assignments must be submitted and approved according to the course timetable. All study assignments are evaluated on scale approved / failed. Approved accomplishment: all the required perspectives are included in the assignment and the length of the assignment meets the minimum length mentioned in the assignment.

Assignments of the course:
1) pre-assignment
2) reflective learning diary
3) nature-based activity plan & implementation of the plan for small group
4) excursion visit to animal-assisted activities and report on the visit
5) nature- or environment-based activity plan targeted at a certain customer group